It's not an enjoyable experience to be in pain and so when you can get a pain killer that really works it's such a relief. Over the years I have found that ibuprofen is really effective for controlling various pains and it works really quickly too. I used to buy premium brands but have now realised that the cheaper versions do exactly the same job as they contain the same active ingredient so now just stick to these ones from Tesco.

=== Packet ===
The packet isn't anything very exciting looking which is very important. I think if it was really colourful and attractive then it could look like a packet of sweets and could attract children so it's good that it's rather simple. It's a grey packet with grey writing although the name 'ibuprofen' is written in red so stands out. It the packet you get 16 caplets. These caplets come in blister packets, you get 2 blister packets inside which have 8 on each one. There is a little instruction leaflet that comes within the packet too with various bits of information and guidance on it. The tablets fit back inside the packet in their blister pockets. The packet does not have any child safety gadget on it so you will have to keep these in a very safe place, there may be blister packets inside but little fingers can soon work these out. I always keep mine high up and if I do ever have any in my handbag I make sure I don't leave it within reach of my children.

=== Using the drugs ===
These tablets are anti-inflammatory which in turn help to relieve pain. It is important that you read the dosage correctly and to contact your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure of how to use them. They are not suitable to be taken during pregnancy but are safe to have when breastfeeding (It does say to check with your GP first though). If you have asthma it is also important to check with your GP if they are okay to take and if you show any allergic reaction you must stop taking them. My husband developed a little rash after taking these and my doctor recommended he avoid them as it can get worse each time so it is important to be aware of these things. You can take 2 at a time every 4 hours but make sure you check the dosage for within 24 hours so that you do not overdose. You can either swallow them on their own or with water.

=== My experience===
I use these when I have pain and aches. I try not to take them regularly as I don't want to become immune to them. If I have a headache, period pains or general back/shoulder ache then these are used. If the pain is very bad then I combine them with paracetamols as these are two different active ingredients so you can use them together. I like that these are caplets as I find these easier to swallow than the tablets and if I need to break them in half then it's even easier to break them, the tablets are quite difficult to break and I find if I have a sore throat I struggle to swallow them sometimes. I tend to take them if I know the pain is going to stay around and I find that usually within twenty minutes it's beginning to feel a bit better and usually within an hour it's really helping it. For very extreme pain such as when I had stitches it never took the pain away fully but did help to stop the throbbing quite as much. Because it is an anti-inflammatory I tend to use these when I have shoulder and back pain and it seems to be more effective than Paracematols. I find that these work very effectively and can make a big difference in my day; from one minute wondering if I need to go back to bed and sleep off an ache or pain to a few minutes later being able to function properly and deal with it. I always keep a packet in my handbag incase I'm not feeling great whilst out and about and always have a supply in my bathroom cabinet. I don't see why I used to pay extra for the branded ones when these are exactly the same. I really rate these and think they are good pain killers.